Vehicle Seatback Shell With Hinged Side Bolsters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat designs lack flexibility and adjustability, particularly in the side bolster movement, which can affect occupant comfort and safety during various driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat assembly with a seatback support shell featuring a main seat portion and pivotally connected side bolsters, allowing for relative movement between the main seat portion and side bolsters of 5° to 90° through hinges, enhancing adjustability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the side bolsters are rigidly fixed to the main seat portion, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability and occupant comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The side bolsters are designed to be dynamically movable relative to the main seat portion through hinge connections, allowing the bolster position to change from a fixed state to a movable state. This enables the seat to adapt to different occupant preferences and driving conditions while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge mechanism.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the side bolsters are rigidly fixed to the main seat portion, then the structural stability is improved, but the occupant comfort and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection enables the side bolsters to transition between fixed and movable states, providing structural stability when needed while allowing movement for occupant comfort. The movable configuration allows the bolsters to adjust to different body types and seating positions, improving comfort and safety without compromising overall structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hinges are added to enable side bolster movement, then the adaptability and comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side bolster assembly is segmented from the main seat portion through the hinge connection, allowing independent movement of the bolster portion. This segmentation provides adjustability and comfort benefits while keeping the overall structure relatively simple by dividing the seat into manageable functional parts.
4Ease of operation
If the side bolsters are made movable, then the ease of operation and comfort are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the side bolster from the main seat portion using a hinge connection, the invention achieves movable adjustability for improved ease of operation. The segmented design allows each part to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together, which balances manufacturing complexity with operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat assembly a seat bottom and a seatback pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The seatback comprises a seatback support shell comprising a shaped resinous sheet comprising a main seat portion, a left side bolster, and a right side bolster. The seatback support shell further comprising a left side hinge extending between and connecting the left side bolster and the main seat portion to allow relative movement between the left side bolster and the main seat portion and a right side hinge extending between and connecting the right side bolster and the main seat portion to allow relative movement between the right side bolster and the main seat portion. The vehicle seat assembly further comprising trim cover disposed over the seatback and the seat bottom.